After World War II, the ideas of European Modernism became much more influential across the UK and Ireland. This had an emphasis upon function, an honest expression of materials and a rational approach to design problems. The Scandinavian approach was not as harsh as the main style and was adopted to create an elegant new Presbyterian Church in Strabane in 1955.
45. Scandinavian Modernism- First Presbyterian Church, 1955.
After World War II, the ideas of European Modernism became much more influential across the UK and Ireland. This had an emphasis upon function, an honest expression of materials and a rational approach to design problems. The Scandinavian approach was not as harsh as the main style and was adopted to create an elegant new Presbyterian Church in Strabane in 1955.
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44. Inter war classicism- Former Northern Bank. 1922
The Edwardian period came to a sudden halt with the First World War. Industrial production boomed during the period only to decline afterwards. However, despite major political changes which resulted in the partition of Ireland in 1922, confidence was still sufficiently high to build a new bank in Strabane in the same year. This assertive building is a great addition to the town and reflects a continuing interest in classical architecture for institutions and public buildings during the period. 40. Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strabane- 1890-95 This large church reflects the increasing confidence of the Roman Catholic community towards the end of the nineteenth century, and like many such churches, the influence of funds sent from America. This building is by William Hague and uses details taken from French churches of the 13th century. In form such buildings are often referred to as ‘High Victorian’ because of their profusion of detail.
39. Scottish Baronial Revival- Baronscourt Stables- 1890
Given the strong links between Ulster and Scotland, it is perhaps not surprising that the Scottish Baronial style became popular towards the end of the century when Home Rule was a topic of debate. As a defensive style it was popular for insurance offices (Belfast), Police Stations (Dungannon) as well as houses. Joseph Bell of Belfast was employed to extend and remodel the stables of Baronscourt in the style in 1890. The building was designed to be seen as a romantic outline from the main house. 38. Tudor Revival Stables of Sion House- 1884 The style was employed for other villages developed by enlightened industrialists such as Bourneville near Brimingham by Cadburys (1890’s) and Port Sunlight by Lever Brothers near Liverpool (1880’s). Cadbury apparently visited Sion Mills in advance of his development. Also in the style and by the same architect are the stables. These have been recently conserved to a high standard they house a museum and café. 37. Tudor Revival Gate Lodge to Sion House- 1884 Sion Gate Lodge is based upon a careful examination of Sixteenth Century English precedents and heralds Sion House beyond. Its architect, F.W. Unsworth, was influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement which had grown out of a concern for the effects of industrialisation on design, and interest in traditional skills, and in the lives of ordinary people. The Tudor Revival style, in his view, reflected an earlier, simpler, age. 36. Late Nineteenth Century Merchants House, Sion House -1884
Sion House just off the main street was the home of the Herdman family,- owners of the mill and builders of the village. This illustration is based upon a 1950’s photograph. Today, it has lost its chimneys and glazed conservatory. The half-timbered nature of the building is a result of a remodelling of a previous Italianate villa by leading London architect W. F. Unsworth in 1884. 35. Expanding Industry – Herman’s Mill, Sion Mills 1853.
One of the most successful linen companies in the Strabane area was Herdman’s. Two brothers from Belfast, wishing to expand took a lease on an existing corn mill on the site in 1835 and by the 1850’s things were going so well that the prominent Belfast architect William Henry Lynn was employed to build a new mill nearby with a fashionable ‘Italianate’ tower. The tall brick chimney was built in 1877. In a 1919 hydroelectric power station was installed on site. The name ‘Sion’ derives from the Gaelic word ‘Sidhean’, meaning a fairy hill. 34. Gothic churches Christchurch Urney 1868 Unlike the Georgian’s, the Victorian’s didn’t seek a unified architectural style, but tended to think that styles should be used as required to create an atmosphere or serve a particular function. Thus, classicism was appropriate for banks and gothic in various forms was appropriate for churches, alms houses, jails, hospitals and universities. In 1868 the Government decided to break the link between church and state in Ireland and the Church of Ireland was given significant funds to compensate it for the change. This resulted in a boom in church building. Christchurch Urney is one, elegant, example 33. Banking. The Provincial Bank, Main St Strabane 1892
In the Victorian period banks became much more prominent and Strabane had many. These were designed to be solid and reassuring and most opted for a design inspired by Classical architecture. Unlike similarly inspired Georgian buildings, render and decoration around doors was not sufficient. Most were faced in cut stone with plenty of detail to emphasise their importance. Branch banking had been pioneered in Scotland and the Provincial Bank promoted this system throughout Ireland. Most of its staff, however, were Scottish. |
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